Here's a superb TOPAZ specimen from the Dassu Mine, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan. Topaz is one of the most desirable mineral species, noted for its hardness (at 8, just below diamonds and corundum). This is another fabulous specimen which we high-graded from one of the Pakistani wholesale dealers who was set up at the Tucson Gem, Rock & Mineral Show.